Organised labour demands living wage amid economic strain

The demands, led by the Trade Union Congress, TUC, and echoed by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, came as the state government reaffirmed its commitment to workers’ welfare, acknowledging the growing cost-of-living crisis.

Speaking during the May Day event in Port Harcourt, TUC Chairman in Rivers State, Comrade Samuel Ogan, raised alarm over the state’s contributory pension scheme, accusing the government of failing to meet its statutory obligations since its inception.

“We are very concerned, especially for the civil service pension scheme. Since 2014 that the Pension Act was brought into law, government has not made their own counterpart fund into that pension scheme,” Ogan said.

He warned that the development leaves many retirees exposed to financial hardship.

“What that means is that we have people retiring today with only contributions that they have made. Those people will retire and go home hungry because the inflation in Nigeria is high,” he added.

While some labour voices have called for a return to the old defined benefits system, Ogan cautioned against such a move, instead advocating proper implementation of the existing framework.

“Saying that government should go back to the defined benefit scheme is not sustainable. Let’s put heads together and see how we make that scheme work,” he said.

On wages, labour leaders acknowledged the state government’s implementation of an N85,000 minimum wage but insisted it falls short of current economic realities.

“I know it is beautiful, but it is not meeting up. People who live in Rivers State cannot rent a house for about N800,000. With a minimum wage of N85,000, they cannot sustain themselves,” Ogan stated, calling for a transition to a “living wage.”

Earlier, in a keynote address, Rivers State NLC Chairman, Comrade Alex Agwanwor, underscored the broader economic challenges facing workers, describing insecurity and poverty as major threats to decent work and productivity.

“There is no gain re-echoing the dilemma insecurity and poverty pose to socio-economic development, livelihoods are being destroyed, investments are collapsing, and opportunities are shrinking,” he said.

Agwanwor, however, commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara for worker-friendly policies, including the implementation of the new minimum wage, payment of N100,000 end-of-year bonuses, and the revival of the Rivers State Transport Company.

“The seamless process leading to the implementation of the minimum wage clearly demonstrates your unwavering commitment to workers’ welfare,” he noted.

He also highlighted ongoing concerns over unpaid pensions, backlog of allowances, and unresolved issues across state institutions, urging government intervention to sustain industrial harmony.

Representing Governor Fubara at the event, the Deputy Governor, Ngozi Nma Odu, reaffirmed the administration’s recognition of workers as critical drivers of development and pledged continued engagement with labour unions.

“No society can thrive without workers, you are the foundation of sustainable development,” he said.

He acknowledged the economic difficulties faced by workers and assured that government would review the concerns raised.

“We have carefully listened, all that has been said has been noted. It will be made available to His Excellency to study, review, and do the needful,” he added.

The government also pointed to ongoing interventions, including a micro and small enterprise fund offering loans at five percent interest, aimed at supporting job creation and easing economic pressures.

Despite the assurances, labour leaders maintained that urgent and concrete action is needed, warning that unresolved welfare issues could impact productivity and long-term economic stability.